×

Saint Barthélemy🇧🇱 | beachesColombier BeachFoot-access only, Pointe Colombier reserve, anchored yachts, rocky-edge snorkeling | things to do and best time to go

Explore Anse l’EtangExplore Flamands Beach

Backpacking in Colombier Beach
🏆 Top pickbeach ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

No road reaches Colombier Beach, and that single fact explains both its calm and its effort. It sits in the northwest of Saint Barthélemy, below the Pointe Colombier headland, where the former Rockefeller estate is still private land. The sand is pale and clean, the bay is sheltered, and the water is usually flat enough for easy swimming and good snorkeling along the rocky edges. Surf is absent. Crowds stay moderate because the walk filters out casual visitors, though yachts anchor offshore and the sand fills by midday. There are no shops, no bars and no loungers, so budget food and a bed are back in the nearby villages. The hike is worth doing; the beach itself is modest in size, so skip it if you want amenities. Carry water, sturdy shoes and everything you plan to eat, because nothing is sold on the sand.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Saint Barthélemy Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
towns
landmarks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 beach in Saint BarthélemyWhy Colombier Beach should be on your travel list

Colombier Beach is where backpackers go when they want one honest effort and a quiet payoff. Reaching it means a walk over the dry Pointe Colombier headland, past cactus, goats and open views of the coast, and that walk keeps out the loud, rental-car crowd. What you get at the end is a curved bay with no buildings in sight, which is rare on an island known for its luxury villas.
The second reason is the water. The bay is protected inside a marine reserve, and the rocky flanks at both ends hold fish and the occasional sea turtle, so a mask is the best thing you can carry. Visibility is usually good, and the shelter means you can float for an hour without fighting a current.
It also works as a pause. You can make it a half-day outing with a picnic, swim, then hike back with the afternoon still … read more 👉
Colombier Beach is where backpackers go when they want one honest effort and a quiet payoff. Reaching it means a walk over the dry Pointe Colombier headland, past cactus, goats and open views of the coast, and that walk keeps out the loud, rental-car crowd. What you get at the end is a curved bay with no buildings in sight, which is rare on an island known for its luxury villas.
The second reason is the water. The bay is protected inside a marine reserve, and the rocky flanks at both ends hold fish and the occasional sea turtle, so a mask is the best thing you can carry. Visibility is usually good, and the shelter means you can float for an hour without fighting a current.
It also works as a pause. You can make it a half-day outing with a picnic, swim, then hike back with the afternoon still ahead. Anyone traveling on a tight budget gets a free, uncommercial day here, which is not easy to find in Saint Barthélemy.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Colombier Beach itself: a long arc of pale sand backed by sea grape and palms, with water that stays calm on most days. It is the island’s best-known undeveloped beach, and the lack of buildings is the point. Shade at the back lets you spread out a picnic away from the glare.
  2. The Colombier trail: the only land route in follows a footpath from the end of the road in Colombier village, over the headland and down to the bay. The walk is exposed and rocky in places, and the reward is a wide view of the coast and nearby islets as you descend. Allow around 30 minutes each way.
  3. Snorkeling along the rocky edges: the reef and boulders at either end of the bay hold schools of small fish, and sea turtles are sometimes seen grazing. Stay close to the rocks, where the life is, and keep clear of boat traffic
… read more 👉
  1. Colombier Beach itself: a long arc of pale sand backed by sea grape and palms, with water that stays calm on most days. It is the island’s best-known undeveloped beach, and the lack of buildings is the point. Shade at the back lets you spread out a picnic away from the glare.
  2. The Colombier trail: the only land route in follows a footpath from the end of the road in Colombier village, over the headland and down to the bay. The walk is exposed and rocky in places, and the reward is a wide view of the coast and nearby islets as you descend. Allow around 30 minutes each way.
  3. Snorkeling along the rocky edges: the reef and boulders at either end of the bay hold schools of small fish, and sea turtles are sometimes seen grazing. Stay close to the rocks, where the life is, and keep clear of boat traffic near the center.
  4. Pointe Colombier and the reserve: the bay lies in the Saint-Barthélemy marine nature reserve, while the headland above is the private former Rockefeller estate. Its dry scrub, cacti and goats give a different side of the island from the polished harbor towns. Stay on the trail and bring a hat, since there is almost no shade.
  5. The yacht anchorage: boats moor in the bay by day, and watching them swing on their lines while you sit on the sand is its own entertainment. The water taxi arrivals add a second way in, though most backpackers will be the ones arriving on foot.
For a first visit to Colombier Beach, take the trail in the morning, swim and snorkel at the rocky edges, and let the walk be part of the day.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (December to April): Colombier Beach is at its best now, with highs of 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), cooler evenings near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), and short, passing showers. Days run about 11 to 12 hours. The water is calmest on most days, though a winter swell can add some surf.
  • Christmas to New Year: Prices for rooms and flights peak, boats fill the bay, and the trail gets busy by midmorning.
  • Shoulder Season (May to June): Heat builds toward 30°C (86°F), crowds thin, and lodging prices drop noticeably. Rain is more frequent but usually brief.
  • Hurricane Season (July to November): Expect 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), humid air, and heavy downpours, with the highest storm risk from August to October. Daylight stretches to about 13 hours. Some restaurants and villas close, and rates are lowest.
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (December to April): Colombier Beach is at its best now, with highs of 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), cooler evenings near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), and short, passing showers. Days run about 11 to 12 hours. The water is calmest on most days, though a winter swell can add some surf.
  • Christmas to New Year: Prices for rooms and flights peak, boats fill the bay, and the trail gets busy by midmorning.
  • Shoulder Season (May to June): Heat builds toward 30°C (86°F), crowds thin, and lodging prices drop noticeably. Rain is more frequent but usually brief.
  • Hurricane Season (July to November): Expect 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), humid air, and heavy downpours, with the highest storm risk from August to October. Daylight stretches to about 13 hours. Some restaurants and villas close, and rates are lowest.
Go in late April or early May to get dry-season water at a lower price.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: below average for travelingOCTOctober: below average for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
saint-barthelemy-beach-colombier-beach
© Google | Jon Scott

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutSaint Barthélemy Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy
The digital guide (107 pages) contains:
✅ 22 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 2, 3 & 5-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The most practical base for Colombier Beach is the north-west of the island, near Flamands and Colombier village, because the trail starts a short drive from there. These areas are quiet and residential, so you get early starts and empty roads, but little nightlife and few budget beds. Lorient, on the north coast, is the usual compromise. It has a surf beach, a couple of bakeries and simple restaurants, and it is about a 15 minute drive from the trailhead. Rooms there and in nearby Saint-Jean tend to be the least expensive on the island, though still roughly €150 to 250 a night in season.

Gustavia, … read more 👉
The most practical base for Colombier Beach is the north-west of the island, near Flamands and Colombier village, because the trail starts a short drive from there. These areas are quiet and residential, so you get early starts and empty roads, but little nightlife and few budget beds. Lorient, on the north coast, is the usual compromise. It has a surf beach, a couple of bakeries and simple restaurants, and it is about a 15 minute drive from the trailhead. Rooms there and in nearby Saint-Jean tend to be the least expensive on the island, though still roughly €150 to 250 a night in season.

Gustavia, the harbor town, is the best choice for meeting other travelers. You can eat at cheap lunch counters, buy groceries, find rental cars and scooters, and catch boat trips that stop at Colombier. Be aware that Saint Barthélemy has very few dorm-style options, and prices are among the highest in the Caribbean. Many backpackers save money by sleeping on neighboring Saint Martin, where rooms cost far less, and taking the ferry across for day trips of 45 to 75 minutes each way. Stay on the island only if you can fit in two or three nights.


Best quality hotels in Saint Barthélemy

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Colombier Beach is one of the calmest swimming spots on the island, because the bay is tucked behind a headland and the water is usually flat and clear. In winter, a north swell can send some waves and a mild pull in at the mouth, so stay within your depth and watch locals before going out. Sea turtles graze in the bay, and you can snorkel alongside them without any trouble. Rocks at either end have sea urchins, so wear water shoes. Boats anchor in the middle of the bay, so keep close to shore when swimming and stay away from moored vessels.

Shade is limited to a few sea grape trees and the trail has none, so bring water, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. The midday sun is strong year-round. Break-ins at the trailhead car park do happen, so leave nothing visible in a rental car and carry only what you need down to the sand.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Colombier Beach

Colombier Beach has no road access, so you arrive on foot or by boat. The trail starts at the end of the road above Colombier village, about 10 to 15 minutes by car from Gustavia, and takes roughly 25 to 40 minutes on a rocky, steep, shadeless path. The alternative is a boat from Gustavia or Corossol, either a water taxi or a half-day snorkel trip, with prices typically around €60 to 150 per person depending on the outing.
Colombier Beach is best for snorkeling and calm swimming, as the bay is sheltered, clear, and often visited by sea turtles. Visibility is usually best in the morning, before boat traffic picks up. Surfing is not an option here, since the waves are small even when a winter swell rolls in. For surf, head to Lorient or Toiny, a 15 to 20 minute drive away.
Yes, Colombier Beach is free to visit, with no entry charge for either the trail or the sand. Parking at the trailhead is free, though spaces are limited, so arrive before 10 am in high season. You will only pay if you choose a boat trip (about €60 to 150) or bring your own food and drinks, as there are no shops or restaurants at the beach, and the nearest ones are in Flamands or Gustavia.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Saint-Barthélemois beaches near Colombier Beach

Explore more nearby:

  • Flamands Beach—Kilometer of sand, free parking, winter shore break, western headland| 1 km away
  • Anse des Cayes—Reef break, north-coast surf, narrow sand, hillside view| 2 km away
  • La Petite Plage—Gustavia harbor, anchored yachts, town-side sand, shallow water| 3 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Saint Barthélemy including Colombier Beach and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all beaches

Or checkout all Saint Barthélemy has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Saint Barthélemy
Country photo of Saint Barthélemy
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Colombier Beach is best early in the morning, when the bay is flat, the sand is empty and the trail is still cool enough to enjoy. Boats arrive from late morning and the heat builds on the exposed headland. I would carry a mask, more water than seems sensible and a bag for trash, then head back before the afternoon sun is at full strength.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Saint Barthélemy. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story